Juventus preparing January swoop for out-of-favour Man City defender Kolarov

Manchester City face a battle to keep hold of full-back Aleksandar Kolarov with Juventus preparing to rekindle their interest when the transfer window opens again in January.

The Serbian was signed by Roberto Mancini for £18million in the summer of 2010 and endured an indifferent injury-hit start to his Premier League career.

City have since strengthened the left-back position with the £7m purchase of Gael Clichy from Arsenal, and the Frenchman has featured in all but one of the club's games this season.

That has alerted Juventus to former Lazio man Kolarov's availability.

The Italian giants do have two options in the position, although one of which, Fabio Grosso, is an unpopular choice. That leaves Paolo de Ceglie, an academy graduate, who was sent off on Serie A's opening weekend.

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport claims Juve were interested in Kolarov shortly before City's mega offer a year ago, and want to take the player on loan in January with a view to making the deal permanent next summer.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested.

Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta, said: 'The market satisfies us, but you can always improve, and we are ready to step in in January.'